Obturating means for endoscopic sheaths



Oct. 6, 1959 H. s. RUBENS OBTURATING MEANS FOR ENDOSCOPIC SHEATHS Filed April 4, 19

INVENTOR #449) 6 ROM/Y6 OBTURA'IING MEANS FOR ENDOSCOPIC SHEATHS Harry S. Rubens, Massapequa, N .Y., as'signo'r to National Electric Instrument 00., Inc., Elmhurst, N.Y., a corporation 'of New York Application April 4, 1956, Serial No. 576,160

7 Claims. (Cl. 128-7) This invention relates generally to surgical and diagnostic instruments, and has particular reference to an improved obturating means for endoscope sheaths.

To facilitate the advancement of an endoscopic instrument through a curvilinear constricted channel such as the urethra, it is a well-known expedient to provide the front end of the sheath with a laterally angled beak having a smoothly rounded tip. Once the beak is in the bladder (or other enlargement to which the constricted channel may lead), the instrument may be freely rotated, but during its subsequent withdrawal the angled front end makes it difficult to effect such rotations. This is a disadvantage, since it is frequently the desire of the operator to explore the walls of the urethra or other passage, during the withdrawal of the instrument.

A sheath having a straight front end is of course more readily rotatable, and it has numerous other advantages, but to maneuver it forwardly through a curvilinear restricted passage is a more diflicult operation.

It is a primary objective of this invention to provide an endoscopic instrument which combines the advantageous features of the beaked sheath with the freedom of rotative movement and consequent enhanced exam ining capabilities of the straight sheath. This desirable result is achieved by combining a sheath having a straight and open front end with an obturator of novel character.

It is thus a further object of the invention to provide an improved obturating means for straight endoscopic sheaths, whereby the advancement of such sheaths through curvilinear channels is facilitated.

The improved obturator comprises an elongated obturating body having a rear part that is straight, and a forward part that is laterally curved. The rear part is adapted to lie within the sheath and is shaped and dimensioned to fit snugly within the front opening of the sheath, while the forward part is adapted to project from the sheath along an arcuate direction. The curved projecting part is smoothly rounded and of gradually diminishing cross-sectional area, thus serving as a guiding nose for the instrument during its advancement. To permit the obturating body to be inserted and withdrawn longitudinally through the sheath, the arcuate part is composed of rubbery material and is resiliently deflectable toward an aligned relation to the straight rear part.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, both the front and rear parts of the obturating body are integral parts of a single element of rubbery material, mounted upon the forward end of a metallic rod adapted to extend lengthwise through the sheath. The rear end of the rod serves in conventional manner as a convenient handle by means of which the obturator may be manipulated.

Other features of the invention lie in mounting the obturating head upon the supporting rod in a separable manner, whereby obturating bodies of various shapes and sizes may be interchangeably employed; in mounting the rubbery body in such a way that the part lying within the sheath is rigidified while the arcuate nose is not; and

2,9d732l Patented Oct. 6, 1959 2 in providing an indicator means by which the operator may at all times be fully aware of the lateral angle into which the guiding nose is directed.

One way of achieving the foregoing objectives and advantages, and such other objects and advantages as may hereinafter be pointed out, is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a sheath and obturator embodying the features of this invention, shown in assembled relation in readiness for advancement through a constricted body cavity;

Figure 2 is a view of the obturating instrument by itself, but turned through degrees with respect to Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view through the front part of the sheath of Figure l;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line 44 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view showing the relationship of the parts during the insertion and withdrawal of the obturator;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view substantially on the line 6-6 of Figure 2; and

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view substantially along the line 77 of Figure 2.

I have chosen to illustrate the invention in connection with an endoscopic sheath 10 of substantially circular cross-section, but it will be understood that oval or elliptical cross-sectional configurations are commonly employed, and that the features of the invention are not limited to a circular sheath. The front end of the sheath is straight, i.e., in full axial alignment with the body of the sheath. It terminates in a front edge defining a substantially oblique forwardly-directed fenestra or opening 11. The front edge 24 of the longest part of the sheath wall must be carefully shielded during the insertion of a sheath of this kind.

The sheath 10 may be of any appropriate rigid material of any selected length depending upon the use for which it is intended, and it may be provided at its rear end with conventional flanges and fittings. I

The improved obturating means of the present invention is best illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. Mounted on the forward end of a straight metallic rod 12 is an elongated body 13 having a rear part 14 that is straight and substantially cylindrical, and a forward part 15 that is curved and of gradually diminishing cross-sectional area. When the obturator is in operative position with respect to the sheath opening 11, the rear part 14 of the body 13 lies within the sheath 10 and fits snugly within the opening 11. The forwardly projecting part 15 lies in an arcuate position, directed laterally away from the sheath axis. The part 15 is smoothly rounded and serves as a guiding nose during the advancement of the obturated sheath through a restricted channel.

In accordance with this invention, the curved part 15 of the body 13 is of rubbery material and is resiliently deflectable into a position substantially in alignment with the sheath axis, as indicated in Figure 5. This permits 1 the obturating body 13 to be advanced and withdrawn longitudinally through the sheath 10. In the preferred construction herein illustrated, the entire obturating body 13 is a single element of rubbery material. By this term I refer not only to natural rubber but also to synthetic rubber materials such as butadiene, and to synthetic plastic elastomers generally. Whatever the composition of the material may be, it should embody a form-retain isadapt'ed to bear. The rod is externally threaded as at 17, fo ra short distance in advance of the enlargement 16, although the major part of the forward end of the rod,

- constituting a rigidifying pin and indicated at 18, may

be 'unthreaded. The body 13 is provided with an axial bore 19 into which the rod part 18 is insertable, and the rear end of the bore 19 may be internally threaded to cooperate withthe threads 17. In the construction illustrated, the enlargement 16 is provided at its margin with ashortforwardly-directed skirt 26 which engages around the rear end of the body 13. This skirt is not essential, however, to retain the body 13 in proper association with therod 12.

It will be observed that the pin 18 is of sufficient length to rigidify the rear part 14 of the obturating body forwardly as far as the fenmtra 11, but to leave the curved projecting part free to bend. The objective is to hold the rubbery body firmly against the distal tip of the sheath, and to prevent the projecting part from being forced away from its proper obturating position in front of the dangerous forward edge 24.

The removability of the body 13 from the supporting rod 12 makes it possible for the operator to employ varione obturating bodies interchangeably, Under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to use a body that is longer, more or less arcuate, or of different cross-sectional shape and size The removable connection is also of advantage in facilitating repair and replacement.

In drder that the operator may always be aware of the angle into which the curved guiding nose 15 is directed, therear end of the rod .12 is provided with a radial indicator. I have shown such an indicator in the form of a flattened part 21 on the rear handle 22 of the rod 12. A similar flattened part 23 is preferably provided on the enlargement 16 of the rod. The indicators 21 and 23 are preferably in radial alignment with each other and with the lateral direction ofcurvature of the end 15 of the obturating body. Other radial arrangements are also possible, and before the obturating instrument is inserted into the sheath, the operator has an opportunity to observe the angular relation between the arcuate tip 15 andthe indicators 21 and 23. Thereafter, by observing the indicator 21, the operator knows the angular direction assur'n'ed by the guiding nose 15.

By means of the improved obturator, an endoscopic sheath having a straight front end can be readily fitted with acurved guiding nose that effectively fulfils an obturating function and at the same time greatly facilitates the advancement of the sheath through a restricted channel. After full insertion of the sheath, the obturating means is readily removable by means of its handle.

It will be understood that many of the details herein described and illustrated may be modified by those skilled in the art, without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. It is therefore intended that these details be considered as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: V

1. In an endoscopic instrument, a sheath having a front end that is open and straight, and a removable obturating means to facilitate advancement of the sheath through a restricted channel, said obturating means comprising a metallic supporting rod adapted to extend longitudinally through the sheath, and an elongated obturating body of sheath and shaped to fit snugly within the sheath opening, and having a forwardly projecting part curved in a lateral direction and of gradually diminishing cross-sectional area, said curved part being resiliently deflectable toward an aligned relation to the sheath axis to permit longitudinal insertion and withdrawal of said body through said sheath.,, V

2. An obturator for an endoscopic sheath having a front end that is open and straight, comprising a supporting rod, and an elongated obturating body mounted upon the forward end of said rod and having a straight rear part and a normally arcuate forward part, said rear part of said body having an axial opening into which said supporting rod extends, said rod having an enlargement thereon against which the rear end of said body abuts, said enlargement being provided with a forwardly projecting sleeve to engage around said rear end,;s aid rear'part being adapted to lie within the sheath in ar umilt therewith and shaped to fit snugly within the sheath opening, 'saidfOrWard part being of gradually diminishing Gross-sectional area and adapted to 'project from the sheatha's aciirved guiding nose during-the advancement of the sheath throiigh a curvilinear restricted cavity, said arcnate partbeing composed of rubbery material and resiliehtly dfiectable from its normally curved shape toward (an aligned relation to the rear part so that said body may be inserted and withdrawn longitudinally 3. For use with an endoscopic sheath having a front end tha'tj's bee and straight, an obturator comprising an elongated supporting rod and an obturating body on the front end of said rod, said obturating body having a rea'rparta'nda forward part, the rear part being aligned with ltherod axis and adapted to fit snugly within the sheath directly adjacent to the open front end, the forward part being of gradually diminishing cross-sectional area and adapted to project from the sheath, said forward part being composed of resiliently, deflectable rubbery material which in its normal unstressedstate as,- suniesan arcuate disposition curving laterally from the axisof said rod .and extending outwardly ,beyond the periphery of said rod, said forward part being defiectable into a stressed condition in which it lies in substantial alignmentwith said rod axis. v

4. An obturator as defined in clairn.3 fs 'a id rear part of said obturating body being also comprised o'f'said rubbery material but being rigidified so 53 16. remain constantly in axial alignment with said supporting rod.

5. An obturator as defined in claim 4, in whichsaid rear part of said obturating body has an. axial opening therein, and in which the front end portion of saidrod is disposed within said opening in said rear part to rigidity said rear part.

6. An obturator as defined in claim 5, in which said axial opening in said rear part of the obturatin'gbo dy is threaded, and in which said front end portion ofsaid rod is threaded to cooperate with the threaded opening in said rear part of the obturating body.

7. An obturator as defined in claim 6, which said rod is provided with an enlargement against which the rear end of said obturating body abuts.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 229,633 Pfarre July 6 1880 735,400 McCully Aug. 4, 1903 812,020 Crippen Feb. 6, 1906 1,144,220 Maguire June 22, 1915 FOREIGN PATENTS 205,105 Great Britain Oct. 16, 1924 Great Britain Mar. 15, 1939 

